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High Fashion, Low Cost

Saving Money by Sewing

By Tenna Perry

You need not be the only one who has mastered this money-saving skill. It can also be great fun to share your knowledge with your kids – both boys and girls – allowing them to make their own creations.

Stanffenberg grew up in a small farming community and learned to sew when he was 5 years old. By the time he was in high school, he had to hide it from his classmates because boys in the 1960s simply didn't sew. Once in the army, his skills were in great demand and he even studied with some European designers.

While sewing is still considered a female hobby, Stanffenberg says he is seeing a rise in the number of male beginners. "The increase isn't from the home economics programs but from some fantastic teachers in the high school's drama department," he says. "These teachers are getting the students to design, sketch and actually construct all their costumes. I recently went to one of their programs, and you could tell they had the greatest sense of accomplishment and pride in the wardrobes they had created."

RolletMcWilliams feels sewing gives her children a great sense of satisfaction to see or wear something they made themselves. "My kids have been sewing since they could sit on my lap and guide the material," she says. "While my 13-year-old and 10-year-old can complete projects on their own, my 7-year-old can't do the sewing alone. He does a lot of the ironing, turning pocket flaps. He also pushes the buttons and pedal for me as we sew seams."

While many consider sewing an obsolete skill, Cavanaugh believes it is making a come back. "Just like knitting and crocet, there's been a real resurgence for stuff like this, especially since 9/11," she says. "People have a new focus and are becoming more interested in family and 'nesting'. I've been encouraged lately by seeing younger people looking at the patterns and fabrics."

Want to see more?

• Dressed up Frugally: 10 Ways To Reduce Your Spending on Children's Clothing
• Clothing Exchange: Clothes to Fit Your Budget When Nothing Fits Your Kids
• Baby's First Halloween: 11 Inexpensive Costumes for Frugal Moms
• Talk about it!